One of the benefits to taking a road trip is being able to pack a cooler and having more control over your snacks. And while it can be tempting to stop at a gas station or fast food restaurant, packing your own food is generally a healthier and cheaper option.

So, let’s talk about healthy snacks you can bring on your next road trip!

1. Granola and protein bars

Granola and protein bars are perfect for short and long car rides as they (typically) don’t need to be refrigerated. So, if you’re the driver, you can keep one up front with you. 

Depending on how long your journey is, if you need several bars for your trip, I’d keep most of the bars in your cooler and just take out what you need for that driving stretch.

Try to choose bars that are high in fiber and protein and low in added sugars. Also watch out for bars with super long lists of ingredients, as that’s often a sign that the bar is more heavily processed. 

Some good store-bought options to look for include: 

  • LARAbar Protein (plant-based protein bars) 
    • Lemon Blueberry Muffin flavor provides 220 calories, 8 grams of fat (0.5 grams saturated), 25 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber, 19 grams of sugar (0 grams added sugars), and 11 grams protein.
  • KIND Bars (nut-based bars, some are higher in protein)
    • Dark Chocolate Nut & Sea Salt flavor provides 180 calories, 15 grams of fat (3 grams saturated), 16 grams of carbs, 7 grams of fiber, 5 grams of sugar (4 grams of added sugar), and 6 grams of protein.
  • Health Warrior Chia Bars (dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free)
    • Vanilla Almond Chia Bar provides 100 calories, 6 grams of fat (0.5 grams saturated), 13 grams of carbs, 5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar (3 grams of added sugar), and 4 grams of protein.
  • RX Bars (gluten-free and made with whole ingredients)
    • Coffee Chocolate Flavor provides 210 calories, 9 grams of fat (2.5 grams saturated), 23 grams of carbs, 5 grams of fiber, 13 grams of sugar (0 grams of added sugar), and 12 grams of protein.
  • Purely Elizabeth Bars (grain-free, granola-like bar)
    • Salty & Sweet Bar provides 130 calories, 5 grams of fat (3.5 grams saturated), 19 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, 6 grams of sugar (6 grams of added sugar), and 3 grams of protein.
  • Phyter Plant-Based Bars (kid-friendly and made with mostly whole ingredients)
    • Apple Cinnamon flavor provides 210 calories, 11 grams of fat (1.5 grams saturated), 23 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber, 8 grams of sugar (5 grams added sugar), and 7 grams of protein.

2. Apple slices and cheese

Not only are apples a good source of fiber, but they also satisfy sweet and crunchy cravings at the same time. 

For extra protein, add 1/2 to 1 ounce of cheese as well. To keep your apple slices from turning brown, be sure to drizzle them with some lemon juice.

To make this snack car-friendly, I like to put my sliced apple and pieces of cheese in the same zip-top snack bag.

While you can use string cheese, breaking a slice of cheese into smaller pieces or cutting block cheese into cubes is often easier to eat, especially if you’re the driver. 

1 apple with 1 ounce of cheese provides approximately: 195 calories, 9 grams fat (5 grams unsaturated), 23 grams carbs, 5 grams fiber, 16 grams sugar, 6 grams protein. 

Don’t like apples? Grapes and pear slices are also easy to bring in the car and go well with cheese! 

3. Raw veggies 

Raw vegetables are the ultimate healthy snack for when you’re just in the mood to munch. Naturally free of all major allergens and low in carbs, vegetables are packed with essential nutrients and disease-fighting antioxidants. 

Depending on your family’s preferences, aim to pack a variety of raw veggies, such as sliced bell peppers, snap peas, baby carrots, celery sticks, cucumber sticks, sliced jicama, and cherry tomatoes. 

If you don’t feel like doing all the prep work, you can also just buy a big party tray of raw veggies from the grocery store. 

For more filling power, you can also pack hummus or a homemade Greek yogurt dip with you. Just be sure to keep your dips in a lunch box or cooler with an ice pack. 

Depending on the type of veggies, 1 cup of raw mixed vegetables has around 30 calories.  

4. Popcorn with almonds and dried fruit

Essentially a less calorie-dense version of trail mix, the combination of air-popped popcorn with almonds (or any other kind of nut) and dried fruit is perfect for when you need something crunchy and filling at the same time. 

For the healthiest option, use either air-popped popcorn, or a low-calorie pre-popped brand like SkinnyPop. I also recommend using roasted, but not candied nuts.

To help keep portions in check, you can portion out a bag for every family member. 

Two cups of air-popped popcorn with 1/4 cup of almonds and 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries provides 260 calories, 12 grams fat (1 gram saturated), 34 grams carbs, 6 grams fiber, 15 grams sugar, 7 grams protein. 

5. Roasted chickpeas 

Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber. And while canned chickpeas aren’t all that appealing on their own, roasting them turns these nutritious legumes into a perfectly crunchy snack. 

Option to make your own or buy a bag from the store. Just make sure that if you go with a pre-packaged bag of roasted chickpeas that it isn’t packed full of sodium and added sugars. 

I like Biena’s as you can buy individual serving bags or a larger bag for the whole family.

One ounce of their sea salt chickpeas contains 110 calories, 3 grams fat (0 grams saturated), 290 mg sodium, 16 grams carb, 6 grams fiber, 2 grams sugar, 6 grams protein. 

6. Single-serve popped snacks

Single-serve popped snacks are perfect for those long stretches when you just need something to munch on. 

Some of my go-to brands include:

  • Hippeas  
    • 1 ounce of the Vegan White Cheddar: 130 calories, 5 grams fat (0 grams saturated), 140 mg sodium, 17 gram carbs, 3 grams fiber, 2 grams sugar, 4 grams protein. 
  • PopCorners
    • 1 ounce of the Sea Salt PopCorners: 110 calories, 2.5 grams fat (0 grams saturated), 190 mg sodium, 20 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber, 0 grams sugar, 2 grams protein. 
  • Lesser Evil Popcorn
    • 1 ounce of the Himalayan Pink Salt: 110 calories, 4 grams fat (3 grams saturated), 190 mg sodium, 16 grams carb, 5 grams fiber, <1 gram sugar, 2 grams protein. 
  • Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs 
    • 1 ounce of the Himalayan Salt + Apple Cider Vinegar: 130 calories, 6 grams fat (5 grams saturated), 190 mg sodium, 18 grams carb, 1 gram fiber, 0 grams sugar, <1 gram protein. 

Source

Natural, plant-based home care & cleaning.

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    6 Healthy Snacks for Traveling

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